Goldfish x The Kingdom

My wife got me a copy of "TOM and the Goldfish Bowl" by Ben Pasley for Christmas. There were other books I received as well, but this one happened to be in my stocking. Our family opens stocking gifts on Christmas Eve. Since I had finished the book I had been reading  I started in on "TOM". If it had been among the books I opened on Christmas day I may not have chosen this one first.

A big "Thank You" to my wife for placing "TOM" in my stocking.

I have not finished it yet, but I can tell you that the book has a powerful message that is definitely worth discussing. For those who may not know, Pasley is a co-founder of 'Enter the Worship Circle', which has produced some of my favorite worship music. You have probably heard songs like "You Are So Good To Me", "Praise Awaits You", and "I Will Not Forget You" over the years. Well, Pasley was a part of those.

Pasley has authored several books including "Enter the Worship Circle" which I had read, and enjoyed, in the past. I had put "Tom" and another of his books on my Amazon wishlist, and honestly forgot they were there.

So onto why the ideas in this book are worth discussing.

First of all, the debate between "church" and "Church" has gone on for quite some time. It is a topic that I have taken part in. This is not the focus of the book, but it is an important place to start. You see, Pasley's issue is not between the Church and church buildings - even though he acknowledges the problem. As Christianity has struggled he states that the actual problem exists between the Church and the Kingdom of God.

While believers make up the Church, the Kingdom of God is the bigger - most important - entity. The Kingdom of God exists regardless of the Church's involvement, or lack thereof. Jesus told his disciples in Luke 9 to "go and preach the Kingdom of God". One important statement made is that He did not say to go and preach the Church. Instead, Pasley points out, that the building of the Church is Christ's responsibility. Jesus told Peter "I will build My Church" (Matthew 16).

Think about that for a minute.

Think about the countless denominations and church splits. The pettiness and scandals. These things have come about as part of the Church putting effort into building the Church.

What if that effort had been placed into preaching and receiving the Kingdom of God?

Pasley uses the analogy of goldfish in a bowl. The fish are the Church. The bowl, the life-sustaining atmosphere, represents the Kingdom of God. The fish may be able to survive outside of the bowl for a short time. To thrive and live the life they are meant to, they need to be inside the bowl.

To drive home the point, the bowl will continue to exist if the fish are inside of it or not. 

The Church speaks of the Kingdom. We say things like "they are doing great things for the Kingdom", but are we actually understanding what the Kingdom of God is? Do we instead view it as a component of the Church?

Take this passage from Pasley:
"I am not sure how many people understand this failure because of the amount of effort we spend trying to build a better system and then we call it the Church. Our obsession with repairing the Church system is like an engineer's obsession to build a better mousetrap. The question arises, however, and we must pause to ask it: Why build a better mousetrap if catching mice is not even our responsibility?
Dear reader, why should we continue to obsess over building a better Church system if Jesus never asked us to do it in the first place? Why should we obsess over revolutionizing the structures of organizations if they have never been - and will never actually be - the Church? Has that ever been what God required of us?"

I don't know about you, but the backbone of this book has had me contemplating its ideas for the past week. Its thesis makes complete sense in my mind and causes a re-evaluation of past discussions.

We have missed the main issue, especially when it comes to discussions of the Church. At the very least it has become hidden and passed off as part of something much less important.  Churches (the congregational idea of the church) continue to look to grow, to increase their numbers. Is that how we are to gauge what we the Church are doing to proclaim the Kingdom of God? If we are doing what we have been commissioned to do will Christ not hold up His end?

We become so wrapped up in the happenings of our small group we fail to see the vastness of the Kingdom. 

There is a lot of room for discussion here and I hope that as a community this new year will see a growth in dialogue. That is my prayer for LvL Up in 2018. So let's get the ball rolling. This is a topic that has legs to exist far beyond this simple post, but what are your initial thoughts? Where does the perception of the Church and the Kingdom fall today? How can we train ourselves to be focused on the Kingdom?

Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Click the image to check out "TOM and the Goldish Bowl" on Amazon.

Tiny Windows

Wow, it has been awhile.

Between a new job, a Senior Thesis and the holidays - time has flown by. How are you all doing? Hopefully, now that the last major class is out of the way I will be around more often. At least that is the plan.

The good news is that even in the middle of all the craziness I have not missed a day of devotional reading in over three months now. How have things been going for those in the community? In what ways have you been interacting with God?

I think that through all of this there has been one important truth that I have been shown. It is important to have that fellowship every day, even if it is only 5-10 minutes reading a devotion on your phone. You may not notice it at the time, but when things slow down you realize the impact it has.

God understands how busy our lives can be at times.

Good thing He says that He looks at our hearts/intentions. Routine is good, I try to read my devotional in the morning. It doesn't always work out that way though. I think that is by design though.

We went through a bit of a stressful time at work. There were times where it seemed like I might crack. It was in those times I would notice I hadn't read my devotional for the day. I would take a break and engage in the message God had for me that day.

More often than not it was right on with what was currently happening.

If you think about it I bet you have experienced that as well.

As the song says, He is a good - good father.

Don't be afraid, or ashamed, of the tiny windows. Small or large, they all show what is on the inside. Hopefully, it is desire.

Has the year been stressful? I'm not going to tell you that the upcoming new year can magically be stress-free. What I am saying is there are things you can do to make stressful parts of life manageable. Look for your tiny windows.

#LvL Up

Me-Centered Lives

Today over 20 people were killed in a church shooting in Texas. The terrifying truth is that it is something that could have happened in any church across America.

The question that people are asking is "Why?"

At first this writing was meant to go one way, and I think it will still basically be the same, but I felt a leading that events such as these can be discussed within this realm as well. So here we are. (And we will see how this plays out)

There has been a controversial topic among the church in regards to the focus of worship. It is a divide that no one seems to have a real answer for. You see modern worship has been branded into two different categories. One is the "God-centered" worship that no one is sure to argue against. After all our purpose is to praise and bring glory to him. The second is the more debated "Me-centered" worship that includes an apparent focus on "me" or the collective "we". (Here is a good article that explains this in greater detail) Are we attempting to reclaim some of that glory that rightfully belongs to Christ?

After all what have we done that would be worthy of being mentioned among our Savior? That was what I was hoping to speak on while thinking about what this new post would contain. However, allow me to speak in regards to the events of today. What would cause a 26 year old to walk into a small Baptist church and open fire on the congregation? Why does it seem that everyday it becomes easier for people to claim the lives of others?

I think the simplest answer is that more and more we have come to be a people that has our focus on "ME". After all God is love. If our focus remained on Him then our fruits would display that love. There is very little being reported about this shooter yet, but there must have been a reason he chose that church or a church in general. I feel sadness for that community of believers and for the young man who committed this crazy act, who is now no longer living as well.

I know that there is a noticeable difference in my life when I am wrapped up in what "I" have going on, compared to seeking what God has in store for me. It is much easier to keep what I would want at the forefront of my thoughts, than it is to be joyous if I feel God is leading in another direction. It is part of being human I guess, after all the Bible is full of people who had to deal with this struggle.

I apologize if this comes off as negative against many of the songs that the church loves, especially in modern worship. I play bass from time to time in church and I enjoy playing these songs so don't get me wrong. All I hope to do is to cause people to think and spark a conversation. That we would all continually seek guidance as to what is pleasing and proper in the eyes of God.

Perhaps it is an issue of comfort. If our songs and our preaching solely focused on God and His righteousness too many people would feel alienated. After all we cannot live up to that standard. Take this line that always sticks out to me, "And where You are, Lord I am free. Holiness, is Christ in me." Think about that for just a second. Let me share my thought and if I am wrong please let me know.

Simply put it is this, holiness is Christ alone. Period. I have nothing to do with holiness. But man does it make a person feel good to sing that line though. It portrays a belief that we indeed have a role in His glory. We do, but that is not it. Our role is to praise and live in awe of that holiness. Instead here we are placing ourselves in the middle of it.

That is what has gone on with non-believers as well, to a much greater scale. America has fooled people into believing it is all about them. We are seeing the results of that dangerous thinking. We can condemn such acts as believers, that is easy. The more difficult thing is to make sure that we are setting the example for an unbelieving world. If we are seen as being a group of people just as concerned about "me" and stroking our ego are we fulfilling that with which we are charged with doing? (You know sharing the good news of Christ) We are not perfect, but we know the one who is. Let's make sure that we are striving to point others to Him for answers and guidance. If that happens perhaps these types of instances will be limited, instead of growing.

Ask ourselves honestly, are we living and praising in a way that is God-centered, or Me-centered?

#LvLUp

How to Let Go?

The past couple of days I have been noticing there are things that are just sticking to me. Things that I would love to be able to look past, to let go. Maybe it has something to do with my three year old's obsession with Frozen (although he seems to have transitioned to Cars, I'll take it).

Things like differing opinions, lack of two-way relational communication and simple, plain incompetence have all been super annoying. I told my friend that I need to figure out how to just ignore these things from the start since I am clearly in a season of life where I am vulnerable to them.

It probably has a lot to do with my brain being fried at this point. The new job is fine, but there is some tension in the company that is taxing. I am working on my senior thesis and I am getting frustrated because I have everything I need for it, but by the time I sit down to write putting words together to form sentences is a chore. And I have a second course starting for the last half of the semester. Sleep is a struggle. I am trying to make sure I am available to help out with music at church and while I love doing it, right now it seems like a poor decision.

So what do I do to work on letting things go?

In Psalms 121 it says that "My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He who keeps you will not slumber. The Lord is your keeper, he will keep your life. From this time forth and forevermore."

We cannot do everything. We cannot be responsible for it all. If we try we will spread ourselves thin and become weak. Our Lord sees our efforts and understands our shortcomings. That is why He is willing to go to great lengths to keep us, to be our help.

the Taelor Gray Series: Weak Moments

                                                       "That's a brave face with a weak motive
Man, I wish you saw all my 
                                    weak moments
          I told myself that these just weak emotions
Most the time I just Tweet emojis."
                                                                       - Comfortable

What do our weak moments say about us? How many of us want to reach out to others during those moments, but never do? Is it because society says that something is wrong with us if we admit vulnerability? Is God ashamed of us in those times?

The answer to that last question is 'No'. Why would God be ashamed...why should we be ashamed? Hiding behind that shame is saying that by being human we have done something wrong. Remember God makes no mistakes. If that is true then there is no way that we are faulty in the human condition. 

Do not take that as me saying that we are able to anything we desire without consequence. What it means is that He understands that we are going to have our issues. It is why He looks at the heart. He knows that times of weakness does not mean we are not striving for better things. 

He says to come to Him and let Him be our strength. The strength in our weakness. 

If the Creator wants us to draw close to Him all the time, especially when we are in a spot where we feel like we can't move, then why shouldn't we be able to share those times with our brothers and sisters as well? Why should we be able to consider ourselves any better than anyone else?

We can't be seen as imperfect, is that it? As Gray says it's a "brave face with a weak motive."

We pretend and pull the wool up because we can't allow the truth to breathe. We do it not only for ourselves, but for others as well. Remember in one of my earlier writings when I said that this community has made me scared because I knew that there would come a time when I would have to be transparent? I fear that the time has quickly found me.

"I told myself that these just weak emotions."

There is nothing about human emotions that are weak. Some of them may not always make sense to us, but they each fulfill a purpose. If we are a community that is meant to build each other and help each other grow in this difficult life then we must be able to step out from behind our brave faces and share with others these weak moments.

I struggle getting angry. I struggle with the fact that I continue to struggle with that anger. (This is me attempting to discard weak motives) It is frustrating feeling like no matter how I try to approach it, this weakness will find a way to get the best of me. It is frustrating feeling like no one is going to understand...

...It is frustrating knowing that the One who matters most fully understands.

My children may not get it no matter how much I want them too. My wife may not want to deal with it. My family may think it best to just ignore it. My friends may only get glimpses. I see it clearly.

I try to work on my weakness. Sometimes though maybe "I just Tweet emojis." I do not have the answer.

The best I can do is be honest and hope. Hope that by sharing the part of me that I am most ashamed of someone will understand. Someone will see that it is not who I want to be. Maybe someone will feel safe to open up to me as well. 

"Man, I wish you saw all my weak moments." - I guess the first step is sharing them...

#LvLUp

When Taelor isn't honing his craft, he is spending time with his loving wife of 6 years and their son Levi. While rap is at the forefront of his life, Taelor still has time in his life for other interests such as, fashion, live jazz, Broadway musicals and theater performances, soul music, college football, NFL, and NBA basketball. Currently Taelor serves as one of the pastors at Veritas Community Church, ministering to a diverse community in Columbus Ohio.

Standing Still

So here is the question.

(I'm going to warn you in advance that I do not have an answer so I am hoping that someone out there in the community will weigh in.)

What do you do when life begins to sort of level out? It's not high and it's not low. You are just sort of coasting. Is this a good or a bad thing? Is there something that you are missing?

For about three months things were moving at a fast pace. Now it is settling in and may be on the verge of, dare I say, routine. Have you experienced this? When this journey started it was about tackling the things in life that we all encounter. Perhaps the mundane is the biggest facet of life that we either ignore, or get incredibly frustrated with.

Jesus talks about the lukewarm believer, but what about the lukewarm existence?

Maybe these times are ideal for recharging and preparing for the next phase that is sure to be on the horizon. We have no problem acknowledging when we become physically/emotionally/spiritually fried, but do we give the same acknowledgment to the time we get to simply be?

A lot of it I think comes from the idea that we always need to be headed in some direction. Typically either up or out. Stagnation is a very dirty word in America. I get it. Except that the human race continually has a declining lifespan that one could argue is directly tied to increasing expectations.

STAND STILL!

How many times does God's word tell us that we need to rest in Him? That He alone is sufficient? Yet we pick and choose. It makes for good lyrics in a worship song, but real life application...?

Then again maybe I am totally off-base. Like I said I have no real answer, or opinion for that matter. I know how much I have grown in my thinking and attempts to apply learned principles over the past year and a half, but what do you do when it all plateaus?

Do you look for a trail on which to escape, or...do you stop and take in the scenery? The answer seems like it should be simple, but - as with the bulk of life - it appears much more complex than on its surface. We get older, we gain experience, maybe our circles become tighter and we start to question.We were made with purpose, with reason and just knowing that doesn't mean that we are going to understand.

It may go against everything we feel we have learned, but simply riding out the wave has to have a place in this world. Right?

The goal is to #LvLUp on a daily basis, difficult to do on a loading screen.

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Please comment and let me know what your thoughts are on this. Dialogue can illuminate things that hiding.

Don't Miss out on Your Passion

We all have gifts or skills. Those gifts have a special place in our calling. As we have been reading our daily devotional this week I have really been thinking about what it teaches about gifts and how we often overlook the things that make us unique and special.

I know I have been guilty for a long time of expecting my gift to look a certain way. I have always been someone who has looked to creative outlets as a way to set myself apart. When I was young it began with drawing. That developed into graphic design work as I got to high school.

Once I went to college (the first time) I got into music. I learned the basics of guitar and bass guitar. I wrote and recorded songs, I would look to perform where I could.

The problem was that at best I was average at these endeavors. I always kind of expected that one of these things would take me somewhere in life, although I was never really sure where. What needs to be remembered is that God knows the plans He has for us. (Jeremiah 29:11) The problem is that we have been led to believe that we are only special if our gifts make us known among the world.

Our gifts make us special to our maker. He has provided them to us to fulfill His purpose. When I started writing I didn't do so to show it to people and have them pat me on the back. I started a blog that I never shared with anyone and just wrote to get the thoughts in my head out, even if it was just to cyberspace.

After a year of doing this I took a chance, a step out of the comfort zone, just to see what would happen. The result is where I am now. A few short months after my first legit publication, making my living writing. This creative outlet is providing for my family. Why? Because God is faithful and He has a plan.

I think when we take the time to really discover our gifts, no matter how small they may seem, we discover our passion. When we can be satisfied with that passion without anyone else knowing about it then God is happy to help us share it with the world. He knows when we are ready. He knows when we will be good stewards of the gifts He has given.

It changes everything when you can do something that you are passionate about. Why? Because God is passionate about us. So my challenge to you is this: If you are feeling like you are not special, or that you do not have anything to offer this world, set aside sometime to figure out what gift you have been blessed with. Don't ask anyone else what they think. Just try stuff, see what comes naturally.

Do this for an audience of One. You may be like me where you think you are good at something, but are hesitant to move forward with it. Continue to develop your skill. Over time there will be opportunities to move forward with that skill. It may be a step of faith, but the reward can be a passion that you have been missing. Let yourself be amazed at where God can take you when it is no longer you trying to drive the bus.

Gifts lead to Passion which leads to Calling...and we all have a calling! #LvLUp

The Problem With Oversimplifying

Some of the best advice we will ever hear is not to over-complicate things. To keep it simple. In most cases that is perfect. Learning a new skill, nurturing a relationship, even something like starting a website. All of these things and more can overwhelm us...can cause us unnecessary stress.

Typically breaking things down to their simplest form makes them manageable. It makes them easier to understand.

There is one thing that people try to simplify that no matter how basic, we will never wrap our heads around. That is Jesus. His instruction, His purpose for us can be understood by the lowliest of man. But Jesus the being that is something completely different.

I am not saying this to give you, or myself, a reason not pursue Him. There is so much about Him that we will never be able to understand in this life. Even so that is precisely why we seek Him harder.

When we try to simplify Christ we risk missing out on the most rewarding endeavor that we can embark on. As our relationship grows Jesus reveals more small details about Himself to us. Someday He will fully reveal Himself to us. Until then we should not try and rob the depth that sets Him apart from everything else in the universe.

Think about something that took you some time to understand. For example a difficult video game. Learning the details that would help you navigate the levels held your intrigue and kept you coming back. Once you completed the final level and the credits rolled you no longer had the same interest in it. In fact you may have never touched it again. Something that for a time was so important to you all of a sudden had no meaning.

That is what I have been thinking about lately in regards to a relationship with Christ. We may want to rush into knowing everything about Him. Instead we should give Him all of ourselves, He knows it all anyway. By doing so He can teach us about our lives and give us pieces of Himself that feeds our desire to know more.

Christ is complex, be okay with that, don't make Him something simple.

Don't Lose Focus

As I sit here preparing to begin a new career path starting tomorrow, I can't help but think about the last three months. Time moves quick and there are periods where it accelerates it's pace. That is what has happened since the end of May.

Three months ago I wasn't writing, expect for required assignments as I worked to finally finish my BA in History (which I will do next May). Now I am a Co-Editor for one website, Co-Founder of this site and as of tomorrow Copy Editor for another site/company.

All of this positive and yet God never stops teaching. 

Among all of this change, while it has been for the good, I was shown that my focus may be off. There is no doubt in my mind that all these blessings have come from developing my relationship with Jesus. LvL Up came to be out of a daily devotional study. It was more than just daily readings though.

Our group uses a chat app on our phones to talk not only about the devotionals, but life in general. It is a great way to keep Christ at the forefront of our daily walk.

I noticed that as all this change has been occurring, my involvement in those discussions has lessened.

I believe that God challenges us not only in the struggles, but in the blessings as well. Its as if He says "I know you can seek Me when things appear helpless, will you pursue Me on the mountaintop as well?" 

Do Not Lose Focus - You have heard the saying "Remember where you came from". That is what God is saying right now to me. Learn to grow, but don't leave behind the things that pushed you to be better.

"but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able." - 1 Corinthians 10:13

While we apply this to our times of hardship, I challenge us to use it when our yokes are light. Temptation still exists...it just takes on a different form.

The temptation is to forget what got us here. The feeling that we have it all figured out, or that we have graduated to a new stage in life, can deceive us. Yes we learn, but we never fully understand. We get to experience the reward of trusting Christ with those things we cannot control. Which just so happens to be everything.

Our purpose is for our lives to point to Him. Don't lose that focus. #LvL Up

the Taelor Gray Series: Hillsong x Coldplay

"Like it's listening to Hillsong,
    like listening to Coldplay."
                                          - Solomon's Porch

I love music. I listen to a wide variety of it and I believe that it has a special place in the world. It can build up and it can tear down. It can inspire and it can lead people astray. 

I am not going to tell you what Mr. Gray meant by this line, but it is one that has stood out to me. I have pondered it for a while now. After a lot of thought this is what I take from it. Maybe someday I'll be able to know the meaning it has for it's author, if not that is fine.

The worship music genre has taken on a whole new role in the past decade. When we declare that we are worshiping a God that is solely worthy of such praise is that what we are always doing? To me there are so many examples of bands such as Hillsong, Crowder, and Chris Tomlin who Christians have placed in this realm of fame.

Let me make this clear, I am not attacking these artists. The question that I am working up to is a personal check, a challenge for whoever reads this. As long as these artists are following the will of God in their lives then that is all they need to do. The Church needs brought into a place of worship. So hopefully they are growing their relationship with Christ and listening to what He is telling them.

However, the worship genre has become a trend. It's the cool thing among the Body. Turning on the newest Hillsong record is no different than turning up some Coldplay. We are missing the point. It has become entertainment. There are times where we are too be entertained, but there are much more important times where this medium needs to fulfill it's purpose.

We need to sing the words and look to commune with our creator. We should be seeking His presence. It should not be about background music.

Maybe music is not has big of an aspect of your life. That's fine. We live in a world though where melody is all around us. It is not something we escape. I don't think that is random, but rather by design. A design by a creative God who loves each of us.

My challenge to you and myself: What are we trying to get out of the music that we interact with? Are we using it to praise our maker, or just looking to be entertained?

Think about that and let me know your conclusions. Is it all the same or is there deeper meaning, higher purpose?

I also challenge you to find that God is in all types of music. Taelor Gray for example creates God inspired hip hop. Rap often gets overlooked by the Church. This is not me trying to convert you to a style of music. I just want to point out that these artists share their relationship with Jesus just as much as David Crowder. They need the support of fellow believers. 

It is all ministry. It is all worship. Maybe it doesn't look the same, but done in a spirit of truth it is all pleasing to our Father. So go out this week and worship. Experience that special connection that is only found in these moments. 

#LvLUp

When Taelor isn't honing his craft, he is spending time with his loving wife of 6 years and their son Levi. While rap is at the forefront of his life, Taelor still has time in his life for other interests such as, fashion, live jazz, Broadway musicals and theater performances, soul music, college football, NFL, and NBA basketball. Currently Taelor serves as one of the pastors at Veritas Community Church, ministering to a diverse community in Columbus Ohio.

The Key Word: Balance

"these things I have spoken unto you,
        that in ME ye might have peace.
                In the world ye shall have tribulation:
   but be of GOOD cheer,
    I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD."
                                             John 16:33

On Sunday I wrote about the week I had experienced. I spoke about how rejoicing can quickly become boasting and how that is a fine line to walk. While speaking with Mike we began looking back beyond the past week.

Over the course of the last year it has been a whirlwind of experiences. The one thing I learned, and found out that Mike was experiencing the same, was that I was not reading the Word enough. While we both had good intentions and no opposition to doing so, it was just difficult to get into a routine with it.

Here is one thing I know: We were not the only ones.

That is where LvL Up started. Short, daily devotionals that made sure we interacted with scripture regularly. As we talked about different things that had happened over the past year we saw how much this small act impacted everything else.

Our lives are full of valleys and mountain tops. Maybe you prefer the roller coaster description. Regardless, the joy of the peaks is often off the charts, but the bottom of the dips can be unbearable. What has become clear is this:

When we have that relationship, or BALANCE, in our lives it becomes easier not to go zero to sixty from one end of the spectrum to the other. You may not believe me, but it is the truth.

In another of my posts I spoke of how I worry. I see the worst case scenario right away. Lately though, while the worry may still be there, it does not take over in the same way that it once did. The reason is that daily one of my very first thoughts is about my devotional reading. That reading and discussion with my brothers helps to strengthen that relationship that Jesus has desired, but I struggled to nurture.

If you find yourself rising and crashing like the tides and it all feels out of control...find your balance.

You will be surprised that it doesn't take as much as you may be telling yourself. God is not looking for us to be perfect. He has Jesus for that. He is simply asking that we are making the effort. He will bless that effort. If He didn't then we would not be here. I would not be in a place to write these words.

The world tells you that you are undeserving. It tries to prove that to you. There is one however who says you are His. When you are His the world may hate you, but there is nothing that it can do about it. Walk firmly in that. The highs and lows begin to even out. It makes the journey more enjoyable.

#LvLUp

The Key Word: Boast

    "But we will not BOAST of things
                             without our measure,
but according to the measure of the rule which GOD hath
             distributed to us,
       a measure to reach even unto YOU."
                                              2 Corinthians 10:13


Friends this has been a good week. Such a good week in fact that it would be very easy for me to boast about it. Let me attempt to share without boasting.

I was offered and have accepted a new job. I start in two weeks. It is more than just a job, it is an opportunity for a career. After close to two DECADES in the retail world I am moving on. I am ready. I am sure that my family is ready as well.

No longer will my schedule be inconsistent. I will be home by 5:30 during the week more often than not. I will be home on the weekends (with the occasional weekend event I need to cover). I'LL BE ABLE TO HELP COACH MY KIDS SPORTS TEAMS!

This is indeed a game changer for us. 

I am happy and I feel a weight lifted off of me. I want to rejoice and I should. Rejoicing can quickly turn to boasting. And boasting is a tricky thing.

Are we able to boast? The answer is yes. However, there is a correct way to do so. If we are boasting in our accomplishments, if we are taking the glory as if we did something, then we do so from a place of pride. In Psalms 73:6 it says "Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence coverth them as a garment." Pride leads us around bound in a chain. It makes us a slave. Man...

Boast and be proud when you are blessed, but do so boasting in the measure of God.

On top of the job opportunity, this community has now been up and running for two weeks. It has been great. It is something we should be proud of. Not because of what we have done, but because God has used it to His measure...to fulfill His purpose. 

As Paul said that God's measure allowed him to reach out to the Corinthians, LvL Up has been allowed to reach out to the ones who have viewed this site. THAT IS EXCITING!  I cannot wait to see and connect with the people this community will reach. 

I realized that majority of the content so far perhaps focused on struggle. While we cannot avoid struggle and it will always be present, there are also seasons of joy. We should celebrate them. We should cherish them. We should take them in as well as we can, for there are valleys along the way. But that is not to say that these moments cannot sustain us as we travel on.

Boast in the things that God has seen fit to bless you with. Let your joy reflect Him.  #LvLUp

Don't Tell Me Jesus

There is a co-worker I have who has recently been going through some tough personal times. I understand the struggles he has been facing and was encouraged in the fact that he felt I was someone he could confide in.

As he opened up about what had been going on in his life I made a conscious effort to really listen. When he got finished he looked at me and said these words...

"What should I do? And don't tell me Jesus."

Here is where it was tough. For me I had been thinking a lot about the fact that I needed to put Jesus out there for my small part of the world. I need to make an impact. Here was what was adding up to be a real opportunity for that and just as quickly that window seemed to close.

Of course I didn't want him to see the sting of his statement so I simply replied "okay, but He is important."

Did I do the right thing? After time to reflect and a recent Piper devotional I believe I did. Here is why. What came next, while not using the word Jesus, was still a direct reflection of my beliefs.

I was able to give my employee advice that was rooted in faith. Offer him examples of my experiences and he appeared open to what I was saying. Here is what I learned.

I wanted opportunities to feel like I was doing something for Jesus, who is very real for me, but I was going about it wanting to feel like I accomplished something. That is not how it can work.

We are called to be disciples and spread the good word. We are to boast in nothing but Jesus. While I felt like I was shortchanging the situation from my point of view, what I learned was that just maybe the interaction was handled exactly the way it needed to be.

Here is a look at the devotional I spoke of:

"Only a few things have gripped me with greater joy than the truth that God loves to show his God-ness by working for me, and that his working for me is always before and under and in any working I do for him. At first it may sound arrogant of us, and belittling to God, to say that he works for us. But that’s only because of the connotation that I am an employer and God needs a job. That’s not the connotation when the Bible talks about God’s working for us. As in: “God works for those who wait for him” (Isaiah 64:4)."

There it is. He is simply looking for us to be open to situations where He can do His work.  Relationship issues, financial problems, careers it all is well within His capabilities if we are willing to take ourselves out of the recognition that comes from it. We are selfish and naturally want to feel accomplished. Considering the end game however go out and boast in He that will do the job better than anyone anyway.

Let Him Work!

the Taelor Gray Series: Jesus in These Weak Limbs

                "I just want to hear well done...
                                                                      ...I just want to hear well done.
But it's Jesus that He's pleased in...
                                                          ...and it's Jesus in
                these weak limbs."
                                                                                                      - Solomon's Porch

I don't know about you. Hopefully you are feeling better than I am. As I listened to these words by Taelor Gray, a CHH artist out of Ohio, I was hit with just how weak I feel. This month has been a crazy roller coaster.

The month started with my younger brother showing up at the hospital with chest pains. After being sent home with pain killers, followed by a trip to a different hospital, he eventually had around 15 hours of open heart surgery. An abnormal heart valve plus a massive aortic dissection can lead to those types of things.

So there has been unplanned for 40 minute drives to and from a hospital that strained the budget. This is not a complaint or anything. Obviously I want to be there for my brother as much as I can. When your family is on a tight budget however, moving funds around can be tricky when it's unexpected.

I was also given the opportunity to become the co-editor of a website this month. I had been contributing for the site prior to this. It is a great opportunity as I am discovering the passion I have for writing. The only downside is that it is nearly a second full-time job. I'm thankful for the chance to make some extra money that our family can use, but that is not all.

Like I hinted at writing is not my occupation. I have a full time job as a retail store manager. I am also finishing my bachelor's degree this coming May. In order to do so I have a class this summer. So naturally I have a 10 page minimum paper due this week.

Then we come here. As those of you who have started this journey with us know, we launched this site and its social media accounts a week ago. It has been amazing. This is the next step of what started about a year ago as a simple devotional reading with a group of friends. Now in a week we have connected with people in seven different countries.

My limbs and most of the rest of me feel weak.

I have been conflicted the last day or two. I am so very excited to see all of these things coming together.  I know it is special and the road I need to travel. Yet I have found myself feeling a little on the depressed side. I am glad to have a clear view of my passion. I just feel stretched thin.

It's as if I am sleepwalking a lot now. You know how they say "burning the candle at both ends"? Well it's more like burning both ends and whatever other part of the candle will hold a flame. I'm drained, I'm excited, and it all is heavy.

Jesus said that when our burden is heavy His yoke is light. That He is okay to take which weighs us down and put it on Himself. He will be our strength in these weak limbs.

Mr. Gray hits on another important thing in this lyric. We take on and go after all these different things. We look for purpose. We want to hear well down. To the Father though none of this matters. I'm not saying He is not proud of it, but that He was proud regardless. You see...

...it's Jesus that He's pleased in.

No matter what we do. No matter how much others say good things about us. None of it changes a thing. When we let Jesus be our strength it is Him and His sacrifice that the Father sees. He is looking at His perfect Son and finds pleasure even in the shell of a broken people.

Just think about that. These feelings of depression, of inadequacy that none of us can avoid. The highs that bring us to the mountaintop and fill us with euphoria. All of it is a part of life. I am trying to find peace in that. I am trying my best to understand that no matter what the circumstance Jesus will help me to keep moving forward.

Whether it is family emergencies and tests of faith, or it is blessings and realization of dreams it really is all the same. Because Jesus remains constant through it all. When we feel like our worst self, and trust me that happens plenty, we can still want to one day hear well done and be justified in doing so.

I know going forward that promise is something I will need to hold tightly to. I'm scared to death because I can see the potential of what is happening here. The surface is just being scratched. I know that the further down this road we go the more layers I will need to expose.

I want to open up and share. I also have my reservations. It is all the right thing. I hope that this site, this community becomes a place that you can find yourself as well. Or that it is a place where you can influence others, maybe start with me.

When we are weak it is okay for us to provide strength for each other. I think Jesus is okay with that. If you have had any struggle this week, similar or completely different, whatever. Just know that Jesus is in all of those aching joints and stress headaches. Find relief in knowing that the Father, the creator of everything, is just waiting to tell you well done.

When Taelor isn't honing his craft, he is spending time with his loving wife of 6 years and their son Levi. While rap is at the forefront of his life, Taelor still has time in his life for other interests such as, fashion, live jazz, Broadway musicals and theater performances, soul music, college football, NFL, and NBA basketball. Currently Taelor serves as one of the pastors at Veritas Community Church, ministering to a diverse community in Columbus Ohio.

Feed My Sheep

  The concept of being neighborly appears to have been nearly erased from the American consciousness. It  is truly amazing.  Even among the generation that grew up when you helped others when they needed it.  I am not speaking of my generation, or not even my parents generation, but the generation of retirees living across the street in townships and communities everywhere.

No wonder we have become a people who find pride in our selfishness.  Hiding behind our doors and our anonymous calls.  Why face anything head on? To answer a question with a question, what are we called to do?

This is not an observation on the cultural moral compass, no.  This is a request that we regain our focus on what is really important...LOVE.

Have we forgot how to love?  Hollywood likes to focus on the arbitrary "love" process.  Maybe that's part of the problem.  We are allowing ourselves to be sold a false truth.  That love is an endorphin rush, a temporary phase, and once it's course has been run we should look for the next fix.

What's sad is that Christians, followers of Christ, have went right along with the farce.  We see people in need of love and what do we offer?  "I'll pray for you"; "God knows the need"; "Keep your head up".  All nice remarks, all what most would consider proper.  But if you see someone freezing in the cold and only offer "keep your head up" do you think they warm themselves with your "proper" advice?  Does that make them feel better about their situation?  Do they feel love?  What did Jesus say love would look like?

 In John 21:17 Jesus said this, "Simon son of John, do you love Me? Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time. "Do you love Me?" "Lord you know all things; he replied, "You know I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep."  --- Feed my sheep.

Not say nice things; not stroke an ego; not hope for the best and go on your way.  Feed them, love them.

Love is an action.  It is a choice you make.  You choose to put another's feelings and happiness before your's.  You do that even if it is not reciprocated.  Have we lost that?  I'm not saying don't pray, of course pray.  I will not argue about God knowing our needs, if anyone does He does.  People need to keep their heads up and move forward. However we have to get past our selfishness and sacrifice for the good of others.

Feed my sheep, maybe cut a neighbor's grass.  I don't know -- be willing to help ease a burden, not because we want to, but because Jesus was willing to do the same for us.  If we call ourselves people who follow after Him then we strive to walk in His footsteps.

Stop talking about philosophies and religious practices.  Instead take these things that give us the "holier than thou" complex and put them into action.  Be there for people, be real.  Show them a real Jesus.  A Jesus that gives them hope and strength.  Feed His sheep.

It's Okay

Dear Church,

  It is okay not to be perfect. It is okay to not always be right. In fact if we are being honest it is impossible to do. We are holy because He is holy (Hebrews 10:10). So why do we have this mindset that any screw-up is a critical flaw in our faith?  

Our God is a God of wrath (Romans 1:18) so why would I be dumb enough to want to purposely seek that wrath? I wouldn't and my guess is neither would you. Yet too many times people are looked down on for being human. 

  We all struggle in some form or fashion. The best news is that when we stumble we have a God who asks us to confess and continue trying. Unlike us He forgets our shortcomings. So why do we insist on shaming our fellow believers? 

   It blows my mind the older I get. Treat people the way you want to be treated. For those who have been hurt by the church let me say this "I'm sorry". However if you are one of the abused keep this in mind, if you are mistreated...do your best to move on. It's not easy or honestly fair, but as stated people are not perfect. 

  One of my favorite phrases especially recently is "people suck, but love them anyway because you suck and you are loved".  No one else can make your walk a successful one. No one can make it a failure either. 

   The only thing you can get from others, or do for another, is support. The church should be willing to provide that support, but if they don't then shame on them. The one thing for certain is that Jesus will never leave you even if it is hard to see Him. 

  

   You are His world...flaws and all. While He wants only the best for you, I believe He understands the times when you feel flawed. Don't let those feelings decrease your self worth. Keep believing and spend each day Representing Him Well. #LvLUp

The Worry and the Weight

I worry. I try not to. I have made progress, but anxiety is not something you just control. It will hit you at times that will make you feel stupid. You will feel like there is something terribly wrong with you.  It's a feeling in your chest that is not painful, but makes everything you do uncomfortable. 

Jesus says not to worry, that He cares for even the birds of the field and cares more so for us. Like everything in the Christian walk I do my best to listen to what He says. I try to think about lovely things, but for me to be honest it does not always work. It's a feeling like something is wrong, but you haven't been made aware of it yet. The thing that makes it worse is we are made to believe that these feelings are borderline sinful. For those in the same situation...they are not.

God knows and understands this feeling. He gets the fragile state of the human condition and why some of us bear this struggle. Others may not understand, but He does. What seems awkward and unnatural to some is far from it. It is okay! 

We don't stop trying. We face it head on. We might have a tendency to think about worst case scenarios, but we also care. We truly care for others and their struggles because we know how hard it can be at times. We know how it is to feel alone. 

The biggest thing that we try to figure out is what to do when it hits.

For me talking to my wife helps. It does not have to be about anything in particular. Just talking to her helps. If we are together and the feeling starts creeping up holding her hand helps keep it at bay. I don't want this to be her burden, but I am so thankful that she understands. I used to fear that this would make her feel like I had major issues and push her away from me, but thank God she is supportive. If I am at work or out somewhere a phone call or text conversation with her can be calming. 

What is it for you? Find that thing and don't feel ashamed about any of it!  This is you not being a victim and living a life God intends. A major problem within the church is the prosperity theory. God wants the best for you, but it is up to you to get there. He will support if you do your part. 

Because of sin though none of us get a free ride in this world. For us with anxiety it is our cross. We take it up everyday and carry it. Maybe we envy the birds who have no need for worry, but our reward will be much greater.

Don't be ashamed. I know I have said that already, but there are some things worth repeating. I am still working on this, but being open about this type of thing can be good. Both for you and for others. You never know what someone is battling and your struggle can be inspiring. It can connect you with another person and present an opportunity to impact their life. Represent Him well...flaws and all. 

Jesus has scars and they are much more than reminders of past physical pain. They are symbols of love. Make your blemishes represent something much more than insignificant flaws. Turn them into beacons of hope.  It is the ones who embrace the struggle and not let it define them that become inspirations. I want to inspire. My anxiety tells me I won't, but God tells me He has a use for me...and for you. Even us broken humans.

 Broken doesn't mean unfixable.

If you haven't heard it lately let me say it. I love you. You are cared for and have a purpose. I am sorry for the times you have been let down. You are not alone.

The Key Word: Relationship

Why do people "leave organized religion"? Why are people turned off by the word religion in the first place? At times I believe I can understand. Religion, Christian, Church - all of these over time have taken on negative connotations.

So what is the reason?

I'm not going to sit here and tell you that I have the answer. I don't. However, I believe there is an aspect of that answer that seems quite obvious. There has been a shift of focus. Being a Christian has turned into a legalistic thing. Churches are concerned about rules more than people.

You see Jesus' ministry was based on one simple thing. Relationships. Those relationships are rare today. When people are leaving religion it is often because of broken relationships. The sad thing is that many equate relationships with other believers to relationship with God. I want to scream "do you see the mistake you are making!"

People are going to let you down. Even the most well meaning individual will make a mistake and hurt your feelings. These experiences can cause confusion. When someone who claims Christianity hurts another it is often God who receives the blame.

These difficult situations should cause us to seek out the truest relationship that we can have, the relationship with Christ. I fully believe that, but I also had a realization while reading a daily devotional this week: People who say that God is all you need are wrong.

Yes Jesus can and will provide everything we need, but unfortunately that is not enough. This is why the human race is a broken, messy collection of individuals. Even with God we still need each other. God himself realized this. After all Adam had the perfect relationship with his creator, but still something was missing. Seeing this God gave him Eve.

Humans need each other. Christians need other Christians. Even the ones who want to distance themselves from this fact cannot really escape it. It can be hard to make sense of it all. Rather than dig through all the countless theories and come to our own conclusion PEOPLE - JUST - QUIT.

So what can be done?

We need to to become the Body, the true Church again. Not a collection of people at this building or another, but the Bride of Christ. We need to truly care about each other. We need to seek and know the realness of Jesus.

We need to accept our ugliness and not give power to the shame that tries to attach itself to it. Love people. Engage them. The "sinners" of Jesus' time were often the most comfortable in His presence. We need unbelievers to want to be around us.

Forget making the right impression at church. Instead impact the people of the world. After all that is what we have been commissioned to do, right? We will find it doesn't take much and it comes with a sense of purpose that we just may be missing.

RELATIONSHIP not rules. CONNECTION and not theology.